How to Treat a Cough

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Cough and runny nose are normally present if one is infected with the cold or flu virus. They are also symptoms of an allergic reaction. If you notice itchy, red, watery eyes in addition to the cough and runny nose, then it may be an allergy.

Treatment of Cough and Runny Nose

The best treatment of a cough and runny nose is to eat well and get plenty of rest. This is because there are no drugs against the cold or flu virus. If you need to relieve the symptoms, decongestants can work to make you feel better while your body fights off the virus. If your cough and runny nose is the result of an allergy, it is best to avoid the allergen responsible. Antihistamines can provide relief in this case.

Although cough suppressants are available, it may not be a good idea to take them, especially if phlegm is present with the cough. This means that the body is fighting an infection and cleaning itself out through the phlegm. They should only be taken in severe cases where the coughing interferes with your ability to sleep.

Cough with Phlegm and Runny Nose

An abundance of phlegm can be treated with expectorants, which thin mucus and allow it to be cleared more easily. This results in coughing that is less often and less severe. Drinking plenty of fluids, however may accomplish the same thing.

Home Remedy for Cough and Runny Nose

There are a number of home remedies that will help relieve the symptoms of cough and a runny nose if it is caused by a virus. Garlic, lemon, and honey are natural ingredients that you can find quite easily and will help you recover. You can combine a clove of garlic with honey into a paste that you eat with tea. Tea with lemon, sweetened with honey is quite soothing as well. If you rest, eat well, and drink the above fluids to keep hydrated, you will be on your way towards a recovery.

What is a Chronic Cough?

A chronic cough is a cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks in adults and longer than 4 weeks in kids. Some of the causes of chronic coughs are:

Post nasal dripping, including sinusitis

Acid reflux

Asthma

Tobacco use

Environmental contaminants

Diagnosing a Chronic Cough

There are several tests that doctors will use to diagnose your chronic cough. X-rays and CT scans will provide an image of the air passages. A lung function test will measure how well you breathe and identify if you have asthma. Mucus may be sent to a lab to see what bacteria or contaminants are in it. Another was a doctor can examine you is by inserting a scope to take a look inside your lung passages.